Asbestos has been used for its heat and fire-resistance properties dating back to ancient Rome. However, the mineral that was once used for its resistance against fire is also a potential hazard should a fire or a natural disaster happen. The fire-proofing properties of asbestos are a double-edged sword. A building full of asbestos can collapse after a fire, sending dust laden with the dangerous fibers into the air. Should any other natural disaster occur, such as a flood or tornado, homes and buildings built prior to the 1980s’ may send out millions of asbestos fibers into the air.

Asbestos Use in Homes and Buildings

After the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned people of the dangers of asbestos fibers in the 1970s’, homes and buildings were eventually built without using asbestos. However, prior to the early 1980s’, asbestos was used quite a lot in homes, buildings, at job sites, and in products. Today, should a natural disaster or fire break out and come into contact with any structure that contains asbestos, its fibers, which as aforementioned are fire and heat-resistant, can become airborne and travel for several miles.

According to the EPA, in the summer of 1993, the community of Lincoln County, Missouri experienced a devastating flood that left over 50,000 people without homes, and several others with broken appliances, household items, automobiles, and more. As a result, county staff were responsible for disposing of the debris. After investigations, it was found that a good majority of the debris, specifically car parts, shingles, wood, and home insulation, was riddled with asbestos fibers. This of course, posed risks to the entire community.

Preventative Actions

Although no one knows for sure when a natural disaster will strike, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that taking proactive measures beforehand will reduce the risk of asbestos ingestion when and if a disaster occurs. For example, if waste hazards need to be burned after a disaster, proper precautions should be used at all times:

Shower facilities should be available to all workers.

The general public should be warned about the work being performed.

Coolant vests, face masks, and other safety equipment should be utilized.

Burnup and cleaning sites should always meet federal and state guidelines.

Local authorities should always be on-board to help meet regulations and safety issues, such as the local fire department and emergency response team.

Asbestos Victims

Anyone who has been diagnosed with asbestos cancer or another asbestos related disease is advised to seek legal assistance due to the complex nature of these cases. The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center has in-depth information on asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, and legal information for each of the 50 states, including information on asbestos exposure in Missouri.